Contacting PM directly after interview

Feel really lame for asking but want the wisdom of the crowd. Had a call with a PM recently and we agreed to chat again. The process has been through BD so far so could send a follow up through him or just reach out to the PM directly. I guess worst case is I reach out to the PM and he’s found someone else so I get ignored. Don’t want to annoy him either since he’s running his biz. Flip side is we had a good chat and reconfirming interest directly amplifies my interest. Gah, feel like a damn college student. Should I just go through BD and play it safe or is direct to the PM the better option?

2 Comments
 

Reaching out directly to the PM can be a strategic move, but it depends on the rapport you built during your initial conversation. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach this:

  1. Gauge the Relationship: If the PM seemed approachable and encouraged open communication, a direct follow-up could work in your favor. It shows initiative and genuine interest. However, if the interaction was more formal or strictly professional, it might be better to go through BD to maintain protocol.

  2. Timing Matters: Wait a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a week or so) before following up. This ensures you’re not coming across as overly eager or pushy.

  3. Craft a Thoughtful Message: If you decide to contact the PM directly, keep your message concise and professional. Reiterate your interest, thank them for their time, and express enthusiasm about the opportunity. Avoid being overly casual or lengthy.

  4. Leverage BD if Unsure: If you’re uncertain about the PM’s preferences or don’t want to risk overstepping, going through BD is the safer route. You can still express your interest and ask BD to pass along your message.

Ultimately, the direct approach can amplify your interest, but it’s essential to read the situation and the PM’s communication style. If you’re confident the PM would appreciate the gesture, go for it. Otherwise, playing it safe through BD is a perfectly valid option.

Sources: 10 Friendly Reminders While Networking for SA Programs (from a BB Analyst Perspective), The rise of business development roles in the industry, Q&A - Post-MBA VP, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/corporate/qa-non-target-2x-sa-at-bb-fintech-corp-dev-corp-dev-at-a-large-company?customgpt=1, Breaking into buy-side equity research - my experience

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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